How to use Twitter to increase foot traffic

By Joe Wadlington
Best practices

Twitter can be the real-time bridge between your followers online and the physical store location you want more customers to visit. Take a look at these tips on how to use Twitter to get more foot traffic.

Keep good company

Think of Twitter as the digital version of your neighborhood or city. Follow the businesses on your block or in your area and talk to them on Twitter. You could Retweet them to your followers and ask them to do the same with theirs. People who are already on your block or regularly shop at nearby stores are just feet away from your business. If they see businesses they like having conversations with you, it could convince them to step inside your store front the next time they're around.

Follow local figures and influencers and invite them to your store. Converse with them like you would a friendly, promotional partner. 

Promote your Twitter account

Once someone follows you, you can Tweet to them indefinitely for free. While website visits or Quick Promote campaigns are perfect for boosting awareness of a sale or event, a followers campaign creates longer relationships. Having an always-on followers campaign means you'll have a constant flow of new followers.

You can also add location targeting so that your ads are only seen by people in the cities you serve.

Listen in

You can also use advanced search to find Tweets from someone in your city mentioning "I'm hungry" or "What should I get my mom for Christmas??" Think what your ideal customer might Tweet about and search for those phrases. Then respond to these Tweets. Link the hungry people to your dinner menu, or remind gift-seekers of your store hours.

Highlight your store

Add your store hours and address directly to your Twitter bio. That way, it will be easy to find and visible in Twitter search.

Remember to show off your store front with your Tweets. Take pictures of your window display and your store from the street. Tweet 10 second video tours of new products or your store displays. Show people how inviting and helpful your store is, so that they're sure to come in.

Try out these tips by creating Twitter Ads of your own. Create a campaign today.

Ready to advertise on Twitter?